PHOTOS: Strong defensive effort leads Irvine past Canyon in non-league game

Irvine Vaqueros take the field for Friday’s game with Canyon at Fred Kelly Stadium. (Photos courtesy Lina Vartanian).

Irvine High School’s football team captured its second straight victory to open the season, defeating Canyon 42-14 in a non-league game Friday night at Fred Kelly Stadium.

“The defense really led the way for us this week,” said Irvine Coach Tom Ricci. “Carson Walker, our middle linebacker, was everywhere. He had a sack and forced multiple tackles along with Cyrus Doherty and Katrell May. Overall we only played 40 defensive plays because we forced multiple three and outs.”

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Brandon "Figgy" Figueroa scores a TD for Irvine.

Captains for Irvine and Canyon meet before the game.

Irvine Coach Tom Ricci meets with quarterback Khoa Bui during a timeout.

Irvine's Braden Garlock extends to make a catch. Kellen Romalfanger of Canyon defends.

Irvine receiver Deacon Moss gets ready for a play.

Joseph Lynch of Irvine goes up to make a play.

“Our offense played played great as well,” Ricci said. “Khoa Bui played a great game at quarterback.  He hit multiple targets on the night and threw for two touchdowns and ran for one.

“Brandon ‘Figgy’ Figueroa played well and ran for another two touchdowns. Our offensive line held strong and didn’t give up one sack on the night.  We are super proud of the team and how they handled a solid, huge Canyon team.” 

It was the second straight big game for Figueroa, who scored three touchdowns in the opening win over Portola.

Bui completed 17 of 23 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns. Figueroa rushed for 76 yards on 15 carries. Joseph Lynch hauled in five passes for 84 yards and a touchdown.

Deacon Moss had four catches for 62 yards and a touchdown.

Canyon fell to 0-2.